Breeders policy - Page 2

Different breeders have very different policies. I also think many breeders do not make their policies definative enough. I can only offer my own policies, as it is not good form to discuss anyone else's policies directly. I accept PennHip at six months of age and older, and OFA at two years of age and older as diagnostically definative for DJD. That is because of the way each organization defines DJD, and their statistics of false positives at different ages. I would also replace a puppy whose distraction index was unacceptably high at six months for his planned working career, though I have not yet decided how to write this into my hip guarantee policy. I also allow the person to keep their dog once they give me proof they have spayed or neutered it. But breeders who do make these generous, responsible terms for hip and genetic guarantees must also manage an account to pay out in case they must back this guarantee up. As Bob-O stated, no matter how good the hips of the ancestors, DJD is a risk factor in GSDs.

The policy on the website is binding, no contract needed. A website is a marketing tool and if a breeder does not stick to what they say in there then that is false advertising. They have to stick with the promises made. But you should copy it if you can so that you have something in hand should you need it at a later time. If the policy does not state what they will do in case a pup ends up not being up to spec then that means little. A dog even with mild or severe HD on X-ray can still do SchH sport if he is not actually showing any symptoms. Many dogs with x-rays that look like they should not even be walking can lead very normal and productive lives. Why replace a dog if he remains "useable"? That is why a lot of breeders specify debilitating HD. Or limit replacement to a dog has been purchased specifically as a future breeding prospect. If the breeder of your dog states that the guarantee applies to OFA at age 2, then you need to x-ray again at age 2 and submit it. As mentioned above, positioning may be a big issue. Could be the x-ray, not the dog. Feel free to send me a photo of the x-ray. We have seen many that passed just fine after they were taken again - properly. I recommend that you inform the breeder but keep communication open and cordial. Start to talk about what if scenarios. The key is to keep communication going. Not always easy when you feel disappointed and angry about your dogs hips. How this will be resolved depends on the terms of sale, and how well you guys keep communicating from now on.